News

ENA tells Europe to let networks fulfil their innovation potential

For immediate release – Friday 25 January 2013

On the day UK Prime Minister David Cameron set out his principles for renegotiating Britain’s position in the EU, Energy Networks Association (ENA) addressed MEPs in Brussels at a joint dinner with the pan European distribution networks association GEODE.

Last year saw a number of positive developments in EU energy policy impacting European networks, including the Infrastructure Package to improve the planning and regulatory climate; the Energy Efficiency Directive to incentivise efficiencies across the energy sector and the Internal Energy Market Communication highlighting the importance and value of innovation, and crucial future role of the DNOs.

Addressing an audience of MEPs and European policy makers, ENA Director of Policy, Tony Glover said:

“Energy networks companies face major challenges in the coming years and are working hard to meet them. We are connecting more renewable energy and local/micro generation than ever before and helping to ensure Europe meets the 2020 targets.

“There have been very positive developments in EU energy policy but it is critical not to restrict the innovation of the networks and ensure rigorous cost/benefit analysis is carried out for any new energy efficiency requirements. A sensible fuel mix is important too and Europe mustn’t dismiss the role of gas. It has an important role to play in affordable low carbon energy, and is the fuel of choice for UK domestic customers.”

Reinhard Brehmer, President of GEODE, said:

“There is a critical role for the distribution networks across Europe. There will be significant growth in small-scale renewable generation and the investment and innovation in smart grid technology will be of direct benefits to consumers.

“The Commission has rightly identified smart grids as a crucial component of a fully functioning energy market and we are keen to see the Energy Technologies Communication later this year supporting continued innovation to achieve them.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

ENA represents the ‘wires and pipes’ transmission and distribution network operators for gas and electricity in the UK and Ireland.

For further information please contact:

Tim Field MCIPR,
Head of Press and Public Affairs
Energy Networks Association
E: [email protected]
T: +44 (0)207 706 5157
M: +44 (0)7725 372 758
W: www.energynetworks.org